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It's interesting to see how this idea is being received. My startup (IActionable.com) actually provides a way to make this happen to a degree. We're mostly focu

It's interesting to see how this idea is being received. My startup (IActionable.com) actually provides a way to make this happen to a degree. We're mostly focusing on game mechanics for websites at the moment but I really like the idea of moving in to other types of areas as well (we have a few other ideas already). Our informal motto is "If you can record it we can reward it". I wonder if this co-op mode would be better suited to teams within the same gym. Maybe it would work better without any teams at all? Individual competition through leaderboards could be interesting. The motivational factor, especially for new people could really be useful as well. I know a lot of people are saying that it is not in the best interest of the gym - but which gym would you rather sign up for? As soon as one big gym does it the others would have to follow just to keep up if it does well. The co-op mode is still pretty interesting too though. It could lead to better camaraderie and feeling of belonging amongst gym goers. Any time you can get a group working towards a common goal I think you can accomplish some interesting things. I really like this idea and hope to be able to be a part of it someday.

9oliYQjP 16y ago
"I wonder if this co-op mode would be better suited to teams within the same gym" Definitely, this. Make it a cooperative group effort like skipping, not a competitive team sport. See my comment here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1687502 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1687502
- ryanelkins 16y ago
  Yeah I like the idea of a group working towards a common goal that everyone is contributing to more than trying to beat someone else. Competition works really well sometimes but perhaps not in this case.
  - frossie 16y ago
    On the other hand, a lot of people who are social/motivated by team psychology already have other motivating options, like team sports, group classes etc. The interesting thing in this idea (which I agree with the comment that it would be great for home equipment) is that it allows you to tap into your motivation circuits even when you are engaging in a solitary activity.
    - ryanelkins 16y ago
      The nice thing is that you can build around all of these with the same system and people can take what they want from them. There is no reason why any of these elements would need to be mutually exclusive.

9oliYQjP 16y ago

"I wonder if this co-op mode would be better suited to teams within the same gym" Definitely, this. Make it a cooperative group effort like skipping, not a competitive team sport. See my comment here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1687502 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1687502

ryanelkins 16y ago
Yeah I like the idea of a group working towards a common goal that everyone is contributing to more than trying to beat someone else. Competition works really well sometimes but perhaps not in this case.
- frossie 16y ago
  On the other hand, a lot of people who are social/motivated by team psychology already have other motivating options, like team sports, group classes etc. The interesting thing in this idea (which I agree with the comment that it would be great for home equipment) is that it allows you to tap into your motivation circuits even when you are engaging in a solitary activity.
  - ryanelkins 16y ago
    The nice thing is that you can build around all of these with the same system and people can take what they want from them. There is no reason why any of these elements would need to be mutually exclusive.